Baptism - Need advice please

Recently, a friend of mine invited me to the baptism of her daughter, which I politely declined to attend. I should mention that when I was invited I did tell my friend that I do not 'celebrate' baptisms. And she (being a good friend) had no problem with that, and was not mad in the least that I would not be there because she understood, and respected me (as I was respecting her in my own way by NOT attending).

I do not believe in baptising babies as they have no consent in the 'brain washing' and should be free to choose it (or not) of their own accord. (This was not mentioned to my friend, although she knows me well enough to know it.)

Anyway, I mentioned this to my mother who proceeded to call me judgemental and disrespectful. What I am confused about is how would ATTENDING something for which I have no respect nor a belief in be MORE respectful?? Wouldn't it be more of an insult to my friend's particular beliefs (which I do not share) to have a non-believer be in attendance?

Can someone please tell me what the hell I should do about my mother. What can I tell her to make her chill out and understand my perspective.

Replies to This Discussion

Ultimately, while I don't agree with you and others with the reasoning or execution, it is solely up to you (stating the obvious!). If you really don't want to attend, then you should not. Your feelings on the matter, right, wrong, or indifferent, really do matter in making that decision and I don't think there is a cookie cutter answer that can apply to all people in the that same situation.